The article explores why and how Romans and their enemies surrendered in the last two centuries B.C. It looks at the motivations, expectations, and emotions of soldiers and commanders that led to surrender. Case studies like the 'Mancinus affair' are used to analyze the fates of defeated generals, towns, and peoples, as well as Roman values and legal procedures. The practice of deditio, an act of surrender, is discussed, showing that surrender was unconditional in itself.